Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) has opened the AAMC Concussion Program, designed to treat and screen for concussions in children and adolescents. Under the direction of Sarah Jamieson, M.D., the program will work with coaches, school officials, physicians and parents to diagnose and successfully treat patients with concussions from 5 to 17 years old.

Concussions occur when the brain makes forcible contact with the skull, causing an injury. They’re one of the most common forms of injury to follow head trauma. “These injuries are very treatable, but can lead to lasting cognitive, physical and psychological problems, if left untreated,” says Dr. Jamieson. “That’s why making sure our young athletes are treated early and effectively is so critically important.”

If a parent, coach, school official, or physician believes a child has suffered a concussion, they may refer them to the AAMC Concussion Program. A multidisciplinary group of experienced brain injury specialists will work with the patient and family to find the best course of treatment. The team includes a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, a neurologist, a psychologist, a speech pathologist, a physical therapist, a nurse practitioner and, if necessary, a neurosurgeon. The group can also perform cognitive baseline tests to help determine if and when an injury has occurred.

The team will evaluate physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms and assess attention, memory, speed, and balance to determine if the child has suffered a concussion. After reviewing injury-related concerns with the family and patient, the team will determine if a concussion has occurred and when it’s safe for the child to return to play. They also utilize ImPACT® (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) in baseline and follow-up tests to determine the extent of the injury and recovery time.

The program is currently accepting new patients. After-school appointments are available. Call 443-481-1140 for an appointment.

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